Nakshatras: Ancient Keys to Your Destiny

Image of Indra, an important ancient Hindu deity who rules over two of the nakshatras

What are nakshatras? Nakshatras, aka lunar mansions, are divisions of the zodiac in 27 parts, consisting of 13 degrees and 20 minutes each. Every nakshatra is named after a prominent star. According to Vedic mythology, the nakshatras are the daughters of Daksha Prajapati, who is the great cosmic progenitor (Behari, 2003). Each nakshatra is considered a wife of the Moon God, Soma, and every day, he enters the home of one of his wives.

The lunar mansions are found in the Vedas, the most ancient Hindu texts. “The term Nakshatra is commonly mentioned in the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas or sacred texts of Hinduism. Recent archaeological discoveries in India now date the Rig Veda before 2000 BCE to perhaps as early as 4000 BCE” (Harness & Dr. Frawley, 1999, p. xvi). 

The lunar mansions are the cornerstone of Vedic astrology because the placement of our Moon shows our essential characteristics, such as our personality, interests, character, temperament, and appearance. Further, we not only use them to predict using certain dasas, which are planetary periods that influence our lives, but we also rely on them for compatibility and murhurta readings, aka electional astrology. Murhurta has to do with selecting the most auspicious times for beginning an event and taking action, such as getting married, starting a business, and buying a home. When planning an activity, we should ensure that the Moon is waxing and in a nakshatra that is harmonious with that event. For example, the permanent nakshatras such as Rohini and Uttara Phalguni are good for building homes and laying the foundations of communities. “The emphasis here is toward permanence, stability, and structure. They are also favorable for plowing the land, planting trees, and purchasing agricultural property” (Harness & Dr. Frawley, 1999, p. 113).

The Moon is what’s in our consciousness, but the nakshatras are the manifestation of what’s in our consciousness, and the purpose of the nakshatras is to create and grow things. Each lunar mansion has many layers to it that exemplify different facets of its creative ability, such as its shakti (power), the planetary ruler & deity, yoni (animalistic traits), caste, and much more.

In addition to analyzing the nakshatra of the Moon, “the Nakshatra of one’s ascendant or rising sign provides important keys as to one’s life unfoldment and outer manifestation, including health. That of the Sun reveals secrets of one’s character and spiritual potential” (Harness & Dr. Frawley, 1999, p. xx). The nakshatras of the Moon, the ascendant, and the Sun are the most important ones.

Through his research, my teacher and renowned Tropical Vedic Astrologer, Ernst Wilhelm, discovered the Galactic Center, Middle Mula Dhurva system to calculate the sign placement of each nakshatra. In other words, your nakshatra most likely differs from what the other calculations have assigned for you. When using his Kala software, the nakshatras using this ayanamsa (precession of the equinoxes) are automatically generated.

Brief Description of Each Lunar Mansion (The Moon’s nakshatra is the most important, followed by the lagna’s, or ascendant’s, nakshatra. Use the nakshatra of the other planets in the context of the significator of that planet):

1. Aswini- Ruled by Ketu, Aswini is a healing nakshatra that is inspired to do good and is conscious of human suffering.

2. Bharani- The presiding ruler of this nakshatra is Venus and has to do with bearing anything that’s difficult and transmuting energy.

3. Krittika- As the Sun rules over this nakshatra, Krittika has to do with going through the fire to be purified, particularly purifying the ego or ill karma.

4. Rohini- Ruled by the Moon, this nakshatra has to do with nourishment that creates growth, and as a result, things are created.

5. Mrigrashira- As Mars rules over this nakshatra, it gives an individual the passion to pursue his/her vision and can find fulfillment once they do.

6. Ardra- Ruled by Rahu, Ardra is the inner storm or crisis that ends up raising our consciousness and provides nourishment.

7. Punarvasu- The presiding ruler of this spiritual nakshatra is Jupiter, which puts energy into something to revitalize and nourish it.

8. Pushya- Saturn ruling this fated nakshatra signifies a person who is inspired to do their best for the greater good.

9. Aslesha- Ruled by Mercury, Aslesha manifests things because there are karmic ties that can add an element of stress, which can promote the transmutation of energy.

10. Magha- As Ketu presides over this ancestral nakshatra, there’s an awareness that all things come to an end, and an individual can grow things in their life due to their ability to let go and move forward.

11. Purva Phalguni- This Venus-ruled nakshatra has to do with two opposing forces coming together and creating prosperity, such as the wealth that can come from a marriage.

12. Uttara Phalguni- The Sun shining over this creative nakshatra is about obtaining success or prosperity through union or marriage.

13. Hasta- Presiding over this nakshatra is the lustrous Moon. Meaning “the hand”. Hasta empowers individuals to seek tangible results and to acquire them in the palm of their hands.

14. Chitra- Ruled by Mars, this bright nakshatra inspires individuals to strive to be noble in their actions and understand divine law.

15. Swati- Rahu reigns over this changeable nakshatra that causes things to blow in different directions, and as a result, the individual is transformed.

16. Vishakha- Jupiter bestows power upon this nakshatra to see the big picture and slowly plan and till the soil. As a result, the individual reaps many fruits of the harvest in the future.

17. Anuradha- This Saturn-ruled nakshatra has to do with the fated things that we’re devoted to. There’s a desire to do good and fulfill the Earthly obligations that are needed to receive honor, abundance, and a higher level of consciousness.

18. Jyestha- Mercury ruling this nakshatra exemplifies the best or most revered. Due to the battles that an individual has to fight, he/she has the opportunity to show their courage and conquer and rise in the ranks to become a hero. As a result, the individual gets energized by the wins and revels in the respect and honor.

19. Mula- Meaning “root”, this ruinous nakshatra is ruled by Ketu. For something to be created, something needs to be broken/destroyed. Almost everything is destroyed with this nakshatra except for the root, so that it can grow back beautifully in the spring. 

20. Purvashada- Venus ruling over this powerful nakshatra gives Purvashada luster and connection. Purvashada influences individuals to have an abundance of energy to move forward with that thing because they’re determined and feel strongly about it.

21. Uttarashada- The Sun shines over this nakshatra, giving the Uttarashada Moon (or other planets in this nakshatra) person the power and strength to realize what’s in their consciousness, and they’re able to succeed and win challenges.

22. Shravana- The perceptive Moon flows through this nakshatra, which has to do with what resonates with the individual. As one connects to all of creation, he/she can hear the Truth inwardly and follow that path.

23. Dhanishtha- Presiding over this nakshatra is Mars. A person is motivated to create and grow in that which will create success, material abundance, and prosperity, so it can be shared and enjoyed by others.

24. Satabhisha- Underneath the sky, Varuna, the god of water in the sky (firmament), this Rahu-ruled nakshatra has to do with everything under the heavens. Hardships and calamities often occur; however, God above supports all things below by creating what we need to heal.

25. Purva Bhadra- This spiritual nakshatra is ruled by Jupiter. Purva Bhadra gives the power of devotion/worship and the ability to obtain that which they worship, be it love, money, fame, or God. Because they worship that thing, they take care of it.

26. Uttara Bhadra- This Saturn-ruled nakshatra signifies that the rain we experience in life helps to grow things on Earth. Uttara Bhadra is about the divine energy within and raising our consciousness.

27. Revati- Mercury ruling over this nakshatra is about the rain from the heavens providing growth and stability on Earth. Individuals with their Moon or other planets in this nakshatra have nourishing qualities about them, and they want to take care of whatever they’re responsible for.

References

Behari, B. (2003). Myths & Symbols of Vedic Astrology (2nd ed.). Lotus Press.

Harness, D. M., & Dr. Frawley, D. (1999). The Nakshatras: The Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology. Lotus Press.

Greetings! I'm Gina, a California native who has been voraciously studying astrology since 2018. I use Tropical Vedic Astrology and cartomancy as my main vehicles in my cosmic quest for profound spiritual understanding and healing. 

I hold a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy. With over fifteen years of counseling and teaching experience, I've always enjoyed listening to people's stories and helping them on their path.

If you want to discover who you are on a deeper level, download my free ebook today: https://www.hercosmiccrown.com/offerings

The content on this page is to be treated for entertainment purposes only and should never replace professional advice. Her Cosmic Crown uses astrology and the cards as a tool to help with guidance, providing advice during readings. We will not be responsible for the decisions you make after a reading. Greetings! I'm Gina, a California native who has been voraciously studying astrology since 2018. I use Tropical Vedic Astrology and cartomancy as my main vehicles in my cosmic quest for profound spiritual understanding and healing.